Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Athletes

athlete lead
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!

Andi Qorrolli is basketball’s most relaxed player: ‘I am a master of patience’

The Special Olympics Kosovo athlete cruises through sports tournaments, solves crossword puzzles in a foreign language and aspires to work abroad.
2 Min Read

Always Time For Training - And Gold - in Vesna Mišić’s Multi-Sport Universe

The Bosnia and Herzegovina athlete is a Special Olympics World Games champion in futsal and a regional champion in basketball. And that is only the beginning.
2 Min Read

Special Olympics Nebraska Athlete Takes on Capitol Hill Ahead of Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Term

Throughout Washington D.C., Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners, and staff from 47 states and the District of Columbia are meeting with members of Congress to advocate for the continuance of funding for the movement’s life-changing work in education and health.
5 Min Read

Sana's Story

Where there is light, there is hope.Let some light into your life and watch Sana's journey from being chained up and excluded in her village in Pakistan to competing at the Special Olympics Berlin World Games 2023.

From Adversity To Triumph – An Inspiring Journey

“These kids we label ‘special’, are truly born to do special things in their lives!”
3 Min Read

‘Don’t be frightened and go for every shot!’

Competing against the best players in the world on one of the most iconic tennis courts was a major highlight for a group of Special Olympics tennis players selected to compete at the Players with Intellectual Impairments Championship at the recent Australian Open.
2 Min Read

Basketball Players On Unified Teams Swap Skills, ‘Learn Love’

Unified partners recount how they started playing with their teams and the friendships they formed along the way.
3 Min Read

Celebrating Dreams and Dedication: Sitthiphon Phisajarn

Sitthiphon Phisajarn‘s story of perseverance, passion, and determination to be able to compete alongside, and against, his twin brother at World Games Berlin 2023.
2 Min Read

One Boy, One Village at a Time

Witness Aaron Banda's journey from being chained to becoming a valued part of his family and community.
1 Min Read

Athlete or Artist? Dea Çaushi Can Do It All

Albania’s multi-talent does not need to choose between scoring three-pointers and playing Vivaldi. She embraces and excels in both equally.
3 Min Read

Serving Up Inclusion at the Australian Open 2024

At the Australian Open 2024, players of differing abilities will soon take to the courts to compete at the second edition of the Players with Intellectual Impairments (PWII) Championship.
1 Min Read

Special Olympics Athletes Reflect on Berlin 2023’s Legacy

EU-supported video series dives into life-changing experiences of Special Olympics athletes at the World Games 2023
1 Min Read